You never want to be separated from your best friend and wondering if he’s safe from harm. If the unthinkable happens, an implanted microchip is a high-tech way to make sure that you are reunited with your lost pet as quickly as possible.
Modern. Effective. Reliable.
How Microchipping works
A microchip is a small computer chip about the size of a grain of rice. It stores an ID number that is unique to your pet and links to your contact information. The chip is injected beneath your cat or dog’s skin, in between the shoulder blades, where it remains in place for life.
If your pet is ever lost and arrives at a shelter or hospital, a scanner will pass over your animal’s shoulder blades, emitting a low radio-frequency energy that can transmit the unique ID code and identify your friend.
The microchip implantation process
Microchips are inserted via a quick and painless procedure without the need for anesthesia. In fact, our veterinarians can place the microchip with a small needle during a routine visit to our clinic. It takes mere seconds and only results in a slight pinch, similar to the sensation of receiving vaccines or getting blood drawn.
Once the microchip is implanted, you must register it! As the pet owner, you need to enter your name, phone number and address – and update the information regularly! The database must have your current contact data to ensure that whoever finds your pet is able to return him to you.
Your pet’s total identification system
The goal of a comprehensive pet identification system is to ensure that anyone can identify you as your best friend’s owner if she ever goes missing. As such, you want as many factors working in your favor as possible.
To that end, we recommend using both a microchip and a physical tag around your pet’s neck that has your name, address and phone number imprinted on it. This tag, in addition to the microchip, will give you the best chance at a happy ending if you and your animal are ever separated.
FAQ: Is a microchip a tracking device?
It’s a common myth that microchips are tracking devices. The reality is that microchips don’t use a GPS so they cannot track your pet’s whereabouts or pinpoint his specific location. Rather, they can be scanned to reveal a unique ID number which is attached to the owner’s contact information, thus enabling a vet hospital or pet shelter to connect owners with their missing pets.
Risks + Complications
In general, microchipping your animal is a very safe procedure. However, there are some rare risks that pet owners need to be aware of. For example, complications can arise if the microchip is implanted in the wrong area of the body, or if it migrates to another location. However, both occurrences are highly unlikely with a qualified veterinarian performing the procedure.
There have also been a few reported cases of tumors growing in and near the area of the implanted device. However, it is not possible to tell if these growths developed due to the microchip, or if the tumors would have appeared anyway.
Make an appointment today
Your pet’s wellbeing is our number one priority. Contact our Northridge clinic today to schedule an appointment for cat and dog vaccinations, and take an important step in ensuring that your best friend has a long and healthy life.
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- Friday 12/22/23 9:00am 3:00pm
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